When I decided to write about this gorgeous McCormick Gourmet Spice Rack, Three Tier Wood, 24-Count, I had the next holiday (Mother’s Day) in mind. It occurred to me, though, that – while this Wooden Spice Rack (with 24 jars of excellent spices) would be ideal for Mother’s Day – there isn’t a holiday or special day that this wouldn’t be a perfect fit for!

If your family is anything like our family, you have birthdays and anniversaries sprinkled all through the year along with holidays. One of my daughters and I were looking at our own personal calendar and realized there was just ONE month of the year that didn’t include at least one special day. Overly ambitious March, October, and November more than make up for Easy Breezy September, though.

While this handsome spice rack can be placed on a counter, my favorite thing about it is the fact that it can be mounted on a wall. I get all kinds of giddy thinking about the extra cabinet and counter space this would free up.

McCormick Spices are top of the line. Not only is the wooden spice rack a dream come true – all on its own – but it comes with 24 beautiful jars of McCormick spices! Have you ever priced spices? The value of the spices exceeds the price of this spice rack.

If you grow and dry your own herbs/spices, you could easily refill the jars throughout the year.

Mismatched, scattered tins and jars of spices scattered across your counter or shoved into a cabinet are a cluttered nightmare. Cluttered nightmares take the joy right out of cooking.

But the number one reason this is the bestest of the best when it comes to gift ideas for cooks and foodies? Well… because I said so! I am your typical cooking-obsessed, food-addicted foodie extraordinaire and when I look at this beautiful wooden spice rack with its equally beautiful jars of spices, my heart skips a couple of beats.

And that’s the best kind of reaction to get from your favorite cook, right? That’s when you know they’re about to make you something extra, extra special.

Whether you’re shopping for someone else or for yourself, click through one of the links or the picture for more information.

I love chicken as much as the next person (if the next person’s a vegetarian, then it’s safe to say I love chicken recipes more than them) but – let’s be honest – there are only so many ways you can cook that culinary bird. Besides, variety is the spice of life, and, like a spice rack, the more variety the better.

I’m using pork more and more in my daily cooking. The Other White Meat is just as delicious as chicken and it’s a lot more versatile than some people may realize.

As far as nutritional value is concerned, today’s pork is leaner than ever before. Pork is an excellent source of thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, phosphorus and protein and a good source of zinc and potassium.

From The Other White Meat.com: Pork today compares favorably for fat, calories and cholesterol with many other meats and poultry. While providing a greater amount of vitamins and minerals, many cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken. Pork tenderloin, for example, is just as lean as skinless chicken breast and meets the government guidelines for “extra lean.” In total, six pork cuts meet the USDA guidelines for “lean,” with less than 10 grams fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. Any cuts from the loin – like pork chops and pork roast – are leaner than skinless chicken thigh, according to USDA data. Pork steaks or roasts from the leg (“fresh ham”) are also lean choices.

Give this recipe (pictured above) a try this week, you’ll soon be praising Pork like never before.

In a large skillet or sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid over high heat, combine pork, mushrooms, broth, rice, and herbs. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes.
Stir in mixed vegetables and continue to cook until liquid has absorbed, rice is tender, and pork is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Serves 4

*Note: To make sure they’ll be done at the same time, use an already-combined mixture of white and wild rice. Look for a blend that has a cooking time of about 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:
Nothing is easier than a one dish meal, especially for a busy weeknight. Serve with a mixed greens salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette.

I was recently sent two really cool, fun, and very useful kitchen tools to review. They’re both available at Useful Things – but be warned before you visit the site, it is addictive. You know the aisles in your favorite department stores where they put inexpensive but wonderful gadgets, tools, unique gifts, and so on?

That’s exactly what Useful Things reminds me of. Inexpensive fun? What part of that isn’t off the charts?!

I cook a lot (a whole lot!) with herbs. Like all obsessive cooks, I grow my own herbs and use them faithfully. Yet, you know something strange? These are the first herb scissors I’ve ever had. Big DUH on me! I’d always used regular, run-of-the-mill scissors (and had the audacity to wonder why they didn’t perform as crisply as I wanted them to). The 5 blades on these herb scissors, simply put, make magic happen.

Since getting them, I’ve used them on cilantro, parsley, basil, oregano, green onions, and (a frequent guest at our table) chives. You can quickly create uniform-sized herb garnishes for your dishes without the hassle of dragging out the cutting board. Simply stand over the plate, pot, or bowl and snip away. I love that they come with their own little blade cover – makes it much safer to retrieve them from the kitchen gadget drawer. Even an overly-caffeinated, accident prone, airhead like me can’t possibly hurt herself when a blade cover’s involved.

Here’s something else I love: These herb scissors cost less than $10!

Product Description:

Snip the herbs you need quickly, neatly, and right where you want with our Herb Scissors. The unusual blade design features a set of 5 sharp 3″ stainless steel blades that allow you to cut, chop or mince herbs directly into a pan or over a plate for garnishing. The large plastic handles have a soft silicone lining for the most comfortable grip. 7.5″ long overall and dishwasher safe.